About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
thesy lvaniatimes. com The Sylvania Times Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Page 5 Tour of the New Screven County High with Principal Brian Scott Sam Eades, Writer/Publisher If you remember going to High School, walking the halls and the way things were, well, think again. In 2024, things are definintely different. I recently was invited on a tour of the newly renovated Screven County High School by principal, Mr. Brian Scott. And boy, what a tour it was. I have to say, I was really impressed by the magnitude of the school itself, and the grand remodeling job that was done to improve the safety of the teachers, parents and especially the students. First, we started with the newly remodeled main entrance. The new entrance is open, however as you enter, all other entrances are locked. Each entrance is surrounded by shatter proof glass. No one is allowed to enter the school area without being given permission and being buzzed in by the friendly administration that greets you as you enter. The main hall to the school was reworked, so that there would no longer be any issues for students. Mr. Scott, stated that "previously, as students would change classes, they had "bottle neck issues" to get through the halls, and most students would be late to class. Even is some cases, they had to result to having two separate bells." Now, in one instance, as I stood in the center of the school waiting on a change of classes, I could see the difference. The bell rang, and instead of it taking 10 to 15 minutes, it only took students about 2 minutes for each one to reach his or her next class. It was amazing at the difference. Screven County High School was built in the 1960's, and some parts of the old building still exists. I was able to take a quick tour of what they refer to as building "C", which is Science and Math building. This area was painted and given a fresh look along with the other parts of the remodel. You really could not tell the difference. Mr. Scott continued, "all the halls and classrooms are now equipped with LED lighting. This saves on electricity and gives the school money to spend on better education and other things to improve students experiences." He continues, "one of the largest remodeling projects, was our new media center. The old library was replaced by new carpet, new furniture, new shelving, everything is brand new. Now it is very hands on and useful for the students." One area of consideration, was given to the gym area. The entrance to the gym was very small and visitors were extremely crowded. However, with the new remodel, they now have room to move around, concessions are much easier to access, and visitors have a much easier time maneuvering the area. Not to mention, the gym is "state of the art." One of the most interesting things I saw on our tour, was the dressing room remodel for the gym. The original dressing rooms contained, 24 showers that were never used and only a couple of restrooms. Now, I don't know about you, but I am pretty sure, 24 showers would be a bit too many. Principal Scott, stated, "we went ahead and remodeled those also, and now there are many more toilets and only two showers. It just made more sense." I have to say, I agree. We continued our tour to some brand new additions. A large impressive wrestling room, weight liftting room, (which is the most used room in the school), and an excellent space for the SCHS Cheerleaders. All of these spaces are amazing. Large spaces that increase the teams power and winning streaks for sure. Now, on to the training rooms. The training room is adjacent to the state of the art gym. In case of any injuries, the room is available for treatments of any kind. The basketball coaches office is located in the same area. As we continued our tour, lockers in some areas still line the hallways. However students do not have use of lockers any longer. With the new use of computers, ipads, and no more use for books, there is no need for lockers. Mr. Scott states, "No students have been renting them for over two or more years." However, He assures me that the lockers are re-purposed and placed in the AG area for storage use. Now, on we go, to the band room. I have to say, this especially large room was a nice additon to our tour. Not only do they teach band and music, they also teach broadcasting along with intro to music technology, and students learn how to produce their own commericals and plays. What a nice addition to any school. From there we entered into the CTA Wing (Career, Technical, Agricultrial, Education) They teach. Early Childhood (Pregnancy, Teaching Childhood, etc.). Culinary Arts, Animal Science (Raise Chickens, Cows, Goats, Fish, Etc.), Buisiness (Tax work. Insurance, etc.) Technology (Designing, House Plans, 3D Printing, etc.) This entire area was simply amazing to me. (Wish I would have had this opportunity myself!) Next we entered the Horticulture classroom which includes a large green house full of plants, ferns, flowers, and more. (By the way. These items are offered for sale once a year.) One thing I learned, was about the fantastic garden that is planted, produced and taken care of by the students. They produce several type vegtables for the lunch room. Students also have chickens that produce eggs. Along with that, they have classes for teaching students how to drive tractors. Perfect for this area for sure. AG Mechanics .Woodworking, Electrical wiring. Small engine repair, and Welding, are also other classes that are available to students at Screven County High. In closing, I have to say, I was impressed. I cannot say enough about this wonderful School. Kids are very fortunate today to have the opportunites they do, along with the teaching staff that cares for each and every one of these students. A big thank you to Principal Brian Scott and the wonderful teaching staff of Screven County High School for all your support and all you do for our community and our children. And to all the students, thanks for always being the best of Screven County! New Office/Administrative Entrance Early Voting has Begun Expanded Hallways and Common Area voter information Who, what, whan, where, and how It’s your VOTE! For the March 12, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary December 25, 2023 First Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail January 23, 2024 First Day Registrars Shall Mail an Absentee Ballot by Mail to Eligible UOCAVA Voter February 12, 2024 First Day Registrars Shall Mail a Regular Absentee Ballot by Mail February 12, 2024 Last Day to Register to Vote and Change Name and/or Address on Voter Registration February 19, 2024 First Day for Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. February 24, 2024 Mandatory Saturday Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. March 1, 2024 Last Day Registrars Shall Accept an Application for Absentee Ballot by Mail March 2, 2024 Mandatory Saturday Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. March 8, 2024 Last Day of Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. March 12, 2024 Last Day Registrars Shall Accept an Absentee Ballot By Mail by 7:00 p.m. All Advanced In-Person Voting will take place Monday through Friday (except for mandatory Saturday voting) from 9:00 am -5:00 pm., at the Screven County Courthouse; 216 Mims Road, Room 114, Sylvania, GA 30467. To request an application for an Absentee Ballot by Mail, contact Voter Registration office at 912- 564-2153 or by visiting mvp.sos.ga.gov SCREVEN COUNTY POLLING PLACES Precinct/l)istrict#I: Hiltonia Town Hall 2386 Waynesboro Hwy. Hiltonia PrecinctZDistrict#2: Senior Citizens Center 209 East Ogeechee Street, Sylvania Precinct/District #3: Fire Station #10 916 Robbins Branch Road, Sylvania Precinct/District #4: Newington, Planter’s Annex 100 Ogeechee St. Newington Precinct/District#5: Jenk Hill Fire Station#2 1170 Jenk Hill Road, Sylvania Precinct/District #6: Bay Branch Fire Station #9 149 Millerville Road, Rocky Ford Precinct/District #7: Cail Community Center 304 Mims Road, Sylvania Let iis print tor you! * Newsletters * Invitations * rti M tire Yha TIitiuu bu tiding - l^S North IUI.fc.lh 4f. - aytUAnlfc, Ua_ NOTICE OF ELECTION OF OGEECHEE RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR To all qualified voters in Screven County: Notice is hereby given that on November 5, 2024, a non-partisan election will be held to elect 1 supervisor(s) for Screven County in the Ogeechee River Soil and Water Conservation District. District Supervisors serve as unpaid state officials who represent their counties in support of soil and water conservation activities. March 8, 2024, is the last day on which nominations for candidates for the election will be accepted. The signatures of at least 25 qualified electors of the county are required to nominate a candidate. Candidates must also be qualified electors of the county. Nominating petitions must be received in the office of the Screven County Board of Elections at 216 Mims Road., Rm. 114, Sylvania, GA not later than 12:00 noon on March 8, 2024. Petitions may be obtained from the Conservation Commission at the address below, from the Commission’s website at www.gaswcc.org or from the Election Superintendent of Screven County. GEORGIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION Mitch Attaway, Executive Director 4310 Lexington Road Athens, GA 30605 Runs: 2/15/24, 2/22/24 Precinct #8 Screven Co. Courthouse Advance in-person voting/Voter’s Registrar’s Office